We have formed a network within the German Genome Project aiming at the generation
and sequencing of novel full-length cDNAs, and the comprehensive functional
analysis the encoded proteins. Over 5,000 cDNAs (> 13.7 Mb) have been sequenced
since. This set and greater 83.000 EST-sequenced clones is used to generate
a minimal set of full-length cDNAs for employment in subsequent functional analysis.
In order to study complex biological systems like the regulation of the cell
cycle, apoptosis or protein secretion, a multitude of complementary approaches
need to be followed that combine genomics and proteomics strategies, but also
cell biology and computational biology. The availability of full-length cDNAs
is elementary for most of these. Only the integration of data from many sources
will help to eventually understand protein function and interaction in protein
networks and complex biological systems.

ADDENDUM (May 2, 2002):

We have formed a network within the German Genome Project aiming at the generation
and sequencing of novel full-length cDNAs, and the comprehensive functional
analysis the encoded proteins. Over 5,100 cDNAs (> 14 Mb) have been sequenced
since. This set and greater 83.000 EST-sequenced clones is used to generate
a minimal set of full-length cDNAs for employment in subsequent functional analysis.
In order to study complex biological systems like the regulation of the cell
cycle, apoptosis or protein secretion, a multitude of complementary approaches
need to be followed that combine genomics and proteomics strategies, but also
cell biology and computational biology. The availability of full-length cDNAs
is elementary for most of these. Only the integration of data from many sources
will help to eventually understand protein function and interaction in protein
networks and complex biological systems.